Apartment Tips Please?

[COOLCAT88]

Well within the next few weeks, I might be getting an apartment. Anybody here can give me some tips on questions to be asked?

What to look for?

And anything else?

 

[Bugman]

Well within the next few weeks, I might be getting an apartment. Anybody here can give me some tips on questions to be asked?

What to look for?

And anything else?

The first thing obviously is, how much can you afford? Do they include any utilities? Are you willing to have a roommate? A lot of variables in play here.

 

[COOLCAT88]

The first thing obviously is, how much can you afford? Do they include any utilities? Are you willing to have a roommate? A lot of variables in play here.

Well, Replace Roommate with my mother, and that takes care of that. We're not looking for no expensive place, but it goes.

2 places that we are looking at, both of the rents Is right around the $500-$525 price range for 2 bedrooms. In one place, the water is included. The other place we are looking at, I think it's the lights that are included but I have to look into that.

 

[Bugman]

Well, Replace Roommate with my mother, and that takes care of that. We're not looking for no expensive place, but it goes.

2 places that we are looking at, both of the rents Is right around the $500-$525 price range for 2 bedrooms. In one place, the water is included. The other place we are looking at, I think it's the lights that are included but I have to look into that.

Okay, that's cool. I have no idea where you live of course, and I would not expect you to share that here. The cost of living varies so much. I'm a life long renter, and if you want to hit me up with a pm for suggestions, feel free. Be more that happy to help if I can. 🙂

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

You might also want to look at the condition of the place. If it's well-kept and has no signs of rotting wood, mold, etc, it's likely that you've found a place that the landlord actually cares about. That's a biggie. A local landlord who gives a damn about the building is likely to respond more quickly if there's ever a problem that requires his/her attention. Some things I would ask...

Who pays what as far as the utilities?

Are there any restrictions on what you can do there? Some places restrict use of grills, smoking, etc.

If you or your mom likes to garden, is there a spot that would be okay to plant some things?

If it's a multiple family dwelling or complex, what are the other tenants like? Obnoxious or noisy neighbors can be a bummer.

Do you have parking? If so, where?

What can/can't you change in the place if desired?

Good luck!

 

[COOLCAT88]

You might also want to look at the condition of the place. If it's well-kept and has no signs of rotting wood, mold, etc, it's likely that you've found a place that the landlord actually cares about. That's a biggie. A local landlord who gives a damn about the building is likely to respond more quickly if there's ever a problem that requires his/her attention. Some things I would ask...

Who pays what as far as the utilities?

Are there any restrictions on what you can do there? Some places restrict use of grills, smoking, etc.

If you or your mom likes to garden, is there a spot that would be okay to plant some things?

If it's a multiple family dwelling or complex, what are the other tenants like? Obnoxious or noisy neighbors can be a bummer.

Do you have parking? If so, where?

What can/can't you change in the place if desired?

Good luck!

I'm afraid neither of the places have gardening places, sorry.

 

[Bugman]

I'm afraid neither of the places have gardening places, sorry.

Seems to me this method could be employed using a planter of some kind that could be set on a balcony, or outside the front door. Most places I have lived would have no problem with that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_foot_gardening

 

[playgirl]

run this google search and you'll have more questions to ask than you could ever imagine:

http://www.google.com/search?q=questions+to+ask+when+renting+an+apartment&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US😱fficial&client=firefox-a

 

[manic971]

Right now my biggest advice is to check to see if any of your neighbors have small children. I live in a duplex and I am woken up at about 6 am every day to the sound of a 2 year old shrieking bloody murder.....it's why I'm moving as soon as my lease is up.

Also the typical questions about utilities, will they allow you to put up a satellite dish or cable? Is it in a good area? Are the appliances new or looking run down?

 

[LD_Tickler]

Check the water pressure, sinks and shower.

Open cabinets and drawers.

Look up, look at the ceiling.

 

[COOLCAT88]

Thanks guys, these are all tips that I will keep in mind..

THe pictures you see before is our first choice. I actually lived in these apartments from may-june 2001 until feb 2004. Now this was before they remodeled the buildings, but they were pretty decent places. In my building, when you first came in, it was the living room. Large enough to fit a Tv and stand, computer and stand, and maybe a couch and chair. straight ahead was the kitchen area where a stove and fridge was included. you could have fit at least a small table there. To the left of the fridge was a little alcove where the washer/dryer went, but I never had one. To the right of the living room and up a ways were the bathroom and the 2 bedrooms..

 

[Ticklish9's]

TAKE PICTURES OF THE INSIDE if you want your security deposit back. You need to be able to prove that the house is in proper condition and that anything wrong with it, was wrong before you moved in.

 

[AngelOfDarkness]

Ask about pets too.

 

[Fire_Sprite]

500 for a two bedroom with water included?!

Where is this?